Southern Utah University and America First Credit Union Announce Agreement to Name Event Center

Published: September 28, 2017 |
Category: Athletics

Fans attending Southern Utah University home sporting events will soon notice a significant change to a major venue.

A new, $1.5 Million, 10-year agreement with America First Credit Union will include the naming rights to one of the University's most prominent facilities, the Centrum Arena, which will be known as the America First Events Center effective immediately.

According to President of SUU, Scott L Wyatt, “At SUU we value our partnerships in every industry. This agreement with America First will honor the commitment to their members by being a sound investment. We share deep and abiding human values with America First. Our students and entire community will benefit from this development.”

Funds will be used to support athletics, academic departments which are housed in the event center and student scholarships.

The arena was built in 1985 and is located at the heart of Southern Utah’s campus. The arena features 5,300 seats, two large video boards, a prominent student section and a concourse that leads directly to the Sharwan Smith Student Center.

“This is a really big opportunity for us,” SUU Interim Athletic Director Debbie Corum said. “Putting the America First name on our arena is exciting, since they’re such a reputable company and really fit with us. The agreement gives the company exposure here with its name on one of our premier facilities, and is mutually beneficial for both of us. We truly look forward to our partnership with America First, as we do all of our sponsors.”

America First Credit Union started at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City during the year 1939, and has been a staple in the state of Utah ever since. AFCU's CEO John Lund, along with Executive Vice President Rich Syme and Senior Vice President of Marketing/Communications Tammy Gallegos were key in bringing both parties involved together.

“This is an exciting opportunity for America First and our long-standing partnership with Southern Utah University,” said John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First. “The America First Events Center further solidifies our dedication to SUU and the communities of Southern Utah, serving as a hub for athletic and sporting events, university commencements and other entertainment and activities.”

Southern Utah’s athletic programs will compete in more than 40 events in the America First Events Center this season, as the home to the men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball and gymnastics teams. The arena is also used for several University events including Freshman Orientation and Commencement. A number of community events, including concerts and many of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games events.

About America First Credit Union:

As the largest credit union in the state of Utah, America First boasts a long-standing history and 78 years serving members and has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country while remaining a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 123 locations and is the 11th largest credit union in assets in the United States with more than $8.9 billion and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 877,000 members.

About Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah's designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University's core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.